Ushanka hats

Ushanka hats - What are they?

A Shapka-ushanka is a traditional, yet stylish Russian winter fur hat with ear flaps that can be tied up at the top or dropped down and tied at the chin. With the ear flaps down the hat offers protection to the ears, chin, nape and back of the neck from the from frost and the bitterly cold winds.

It is from the ear flaps that the Ushanka gets its name; shapka-ushanka literally translates from Russian as "ear-flaps hat". "Shapka" being the Russian word for hat and "ushi" meaning "ears". In the English-speaking world, it is often referred to simply as a Shapka, a Ushanka or even as a cossack hat.

For centuries, Ushankas have been tested by Russians to withstand the harsh Russian winters and in 1940 the ushanka become part of the Russian army uniform and that of the police. As practically all men at the age of 18 serve in the army due to conscription, the Ushanka has been well and truly tested! Traditionally an Ushanka was made of the fur from rabbits, squirrels, foxes and even mink! However the Ushankas worn by soldiers were often made from artificial fur with the exception of officers whose Ushankas were made from sheepskin. It was only the Russian middle class, that had ushankas made from the more expensive furs like fox and mink.

Following the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, these Russian winter hats started to become popular for the first time outside of Russia because of their warmth. They are now becoming popular in the UK. Whilst our winters may not be as severe as a Russian winter, you can be rest assured you will stay warm with a Russian Cossack (Ushanka) hat.

Available now from a UK supplier in either rabbit fur or acrylic which is very soft and looks very realistic. Both come with a detachable Soviet badge on the front for that authentic look.

Rabbit Fur Cossack Hat (Ushanka) with Soviet Badge

Rabbit Fur Cossack Hat (Ushanka)

This Rabbit Fur Cossack Hat (Ushanka) comes complete with a detachable Soviet Badge.
These hats have a thick rabbit fur outer and a polyester lining. The two ear flaps can either be tied up at the top (see the picture above) or they can be dropped down for that added protection from the cold.

Leather tied chin strap
Polyester lining
Rabbit fur outer

For that authentic look, these Ushanka hats feature a detachable Soviet badge on the front and are available in the following sizes from a UK army surplus store that has been trading since 1991, not just some "here today gone tomorrow" internet only site.

Acrylic Fur Cossack Hat (Ushanka) with Soviet Badge

This Acrylic Fur Cossack Hat (Ushanka) comes complete with a detachable Soviet Badge.
These hats have a thick acrylic fur outer and a polyester lining. The fur is very realistic looking and very soft to the touch. The two ear flaps can either be tied up at the top (see the picture above) or they can be dropped down for that added protection from the cold.

Leather tied chinstrap
Polyester lining
Rabbit fur outer

Where to Buy Ushanka hats online from?

Buy Ushanka hats online from an established army surplus store

Commando, have been selling army surplus clothing since 1991 and now you can buy online at internet prices. They have many "web only deals" and we have negotiated an additional 5% discount off their already great online prices (many cheaper than you would pay in the store).

Just enter our exclusive discount code "LBE5" during checkout where you see this box.

Army Surplus Clothing

Army Surplus Clothing is not just for adults, A range of specially produced combat jackets, kids asault vests, kids combat clothing is now available so your own little soldier can now look the part in replica army navy surplus tems that look just like the real thing.

Genuine army surplus clothing is suitable for wearing day after day as it was originally manufactured to the highest possible standards for the Ministry of Defence to protect soldiers from the elements during all types of weather. It is therefore ideally suited as work clothing and should last for many years. It can also be worn as a fashion item and unlike most other fashion fads it won't be out of fashion in a couple of weeks and the best part is that most of todays fashion items are over priced just because of the brand name to maintain exclusivity. With army surplus clothing there is no such brand recognition, so for comfortable, affordable and durable clothing that never goes out of fashion army surplus gear has to be a great choice whether brand new or used. It's even great fun to wear at a fancy dress party.

Trousers, Jackets, Shirts, T-shirts and boots as used by the army is all available as army surplus from specialist ex military stores such as commando above. They now sell online and have many web-only deals which although may be available in the shop, will be at a higher price so it's usually best to order online. They ship airmail to most countries (typically 4-10 days). If you are in a hurry and in the UK they even offer a next day delivery service. However what we like best about their site is the real time stock availability. We haven't found any other surplus store that does it. It's just one example of their commitment to customer service. Click here for the latest online deals

Army and navy surplus store selling Ushanka hats